FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

About Smart Tools

IASTM aka “Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization,” is a manual therapy approach to musculoskeletal injuries using specifically designed tools. The most effective material for IASTM is stainless steel, which Smart Tools are comprised.

Smart Tools were developed to assist in effective treatment of adhesions and scarring brought on by surgeries, injuries, and overuse of muscles. Our tools will assist medical doctors, osteopathic doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, massage therapists, acupuncturists, and others to effectively treat patients with less fatigue to the practitioner.

We have experimented with various tools and are confident the Smart Tools will provide years of satisfaction at a fraction of the cost of comparable products on the market. Our use of precision machining creates an unrivaled contact with the skin surface and the tool to transmit a unique vibration, which helps isolate the troubled area. The medical grade stainless steel, polished to a mirror- like finish, allows the use of topical solutions to be used without any risk or damage the tools.

This will enable the practitioner to create a controlled inflammatory process, which will allow the tissue to begin the healing process, breaking down scar tissue/adhesions in the troubled area, and accelerate the recovery process.

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is a training and rehabilitation strategy involving the use of cuffs or bands placed around a limb during exercise, to maintain arterial inflow to the muscle while preventing venous return (venous occlusion).

How does it work?

Lack of venous return creates a swelling effect of the muscle.

Metabolites, such as lactate, accumulate and stimulate muscle growth.

Hypoxic environment promotes strength and muscle growth.

Direct muscle fatigue forces the nervous system to recruit the largest fast-twitch muscle fibers, which have the greatest capacity to grow.

Increase to Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1).

What are the benefits?

Increased muscle size (Hypertrophy)

Increased muscle strength

Increased cardiovascular capacity

Increased GH, IGF1 and maybe testosterone

Decreased joint/tissue stress

Little to no muscle damage

Little to no recovery needed

Little to no soreness or delayed onset muscular soreness (DOMS)

Low Intensity needed (resistance or cardio)

Who benefits?

Immobile or mobility-restricted populations:

Bed ridden

Casted

Post-operation rehabilitation patients

Elderly

Athletic populations:

Active recovery

Decrease joint/tissue loads

Isolated exercises for “weak link” region

What are the risks?

Injury resulting from this type of training is rare

Possibility with inappropriate implementation:

Subcutaneous hemorrhage

Numbness

Always consult your physician prior to any new exercise program

BFR (Blood Flow Restriction) Training

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is a training and rehabilitation strategy involving the use of cuffs or bands placed around a limb during exercise, to maintain arterial inflow to the muscle while preventing venous return (venous occlusion).

Certification Courses

If you are a Health Professional, Chiropractor, Physiotherapist, Osteopath, Exercise Physiologist, Exercise Scientist, Podiatrist, Myotherapist or Massage Therapist, or manual therapy is in your scope of practice, you can use Smart Tools.